Naive Immigrants

[Shelby]

May I vent for a moment? I'll take that as a yes. :-)

You know those posts? "I saw my neighbour's holiday photos of Abaco and we're moving there!! I've already packed up the wife and kids, and I'm sending this note from my Blackberry on the way to the airport. Can you tell me where I can get a house and car in Abaco and where the kids can go to school? Melvin Jr. wants to know how many McDonald's restaurants there are -- he can't live without his chicken nuggets. Oh, and it's been my life-long dream to open an outdoor ice-skating rink. That should work in Abaco, right?"

I'm not talking about Lady Beth -- I've seen REAL posts that were only slightly less misguided and ill-considered.

I get it -- people fall in love with Abaco! But it irks me when people think a) they're the only person who's ever had that idea, b) the Bahamas will welcome them with open arms, without regard for local workers and businesses, c) their zany business schemes will just magically work without all that pesky market research and d) the people who read their posts will miraculously hand them all the information they need to start a whole new life in a four-line response.

Don't get me wrong... I'm not opposed to immigration, and I don't mean to pee all over anyone's dream. But, as a Bahamian, I find posts like these -- which demonstrate so little thought, understanding and respect for the country and its citizens (both natural and adopted) -- highly insulting.

Aaaah, that feels better. Thanks for listening.

Amanda

[PattyB]

I'm curious. As a Bahamian living in the USA, what sort of hoops did you have to climb through?

I don't want to pee on anyone's dreams, either. But we have people landing on our beaches, and walking over borders with little understanding and respect for my country and its citizens on a daily basis, too. Highly insulting.

[Abacoparrott]

Weeeelllll said PattyB! Sure am glad "politically correct" doesn't dominate everyone! Ken

[DrRalph]

I don't want to try to justify a polyanna approach to a major life change, but I saw it happen. A guy I know lived in the Midwest, and was absolutely miserable. He hated the weather, hated the job, hated the lifestyle, his marriage sucked, the kids were a problem, the whole package. Then one day, kinda out of the blue, he decided he wanted to sell everything and move to "The Islands." He was so passionate, so excited, after being miserable for years! His enthusiasm revved up the rest of the family, he corroded their senses with tales of paradise, they all bought into it. You know how the story ends: paradise isn't paradise, it's a different set of problems, ones that you've never faced, and a year later they went back "home," broke and disheartened.

I think people see pictures and movies and hear stories from those of us who have been around, and they conjure up this vision of a perfect life in the sunshine and the warm water. So they wind up in places like these message boards, they're so enthusiastic, and what they need is a slap in the face and a hard talking-to from someone who's had their butt kicked enough to know that it's serious business. I feel bad for them, and they look kinda foolish. Makes me glad I've had so many wonderful days in the Lower Latitudes.

[trubahamian]

The grass always looks greener to some.I don't blame people for wanting to live here,but I wish those that do would remember why they came here and loved it. Too many come here,buy property and try to live a Florida style life,complete with the florida style house.

The ones that come here and chill....living like a Bahamian are cool.

[Island Daze]

"Don't Stop The Carniva"l anyone?

[Shelby]

Patty, I'm not sure we're speaking about exactly the same thing... My issue is more with people who make these big, grandiouse, life-changing decisions without really knowing what they're getting into. Living and working in the Bahamas is not the same as taking a two-week vacation there, and people who believe that are setting themselves up for disappointment.

I'm not sure what hoops U.S. immigrants have to go through -- our situation is different. My husband works for a foreign media outlet and is currently assigned to cover a U.S. beat (in the same way that U.S. reporters get stationed in various foreign countries.) We're here only temporarily ... I suppose we'd be called LEGAL aliens!

In my case, I'm very restricted as to what I can do in the U.S. As Tom's spouse, I'm allowed to accompany him and live here. But I'm not entitled to a social security number, not permitted to work, etc. I've willingly followed these rules, because we had done the research and knew what we were getting into when we came here, and we respect the fact that we are, essentially, only long-term visitors in your country.

However, I have certainly seen examples of what you're speaking about ... people who want to live and work in the U.S. and take full advantage of all it has to offer, but don't want to follow the rules or respect the country and its people and customs. If this were my home country, I'd be insulted, too!

Amanda

[Shelby]

Dr. Ralph, you said what I was trying to say better than I did. Thank you!!!

Amanda

[PattyB]

We are speaking of the same thing, Shelby. You and your husband have jumped through the proper hoops to become legal, productive, and welcome. Meanwhile, there are some who would like to do the same by migrating to The Bahamas. In either direction, it is not easy to do legally.

Ralph, someone who is miserable with life as it is in, oh say, Ohio, will still be miserable once they relocate. They pack their misery in their luggage.

[Henz]

I would love to be able to close our boarders! Or at least make it much more difficult to stay!

[SamFamAustin]

Just give me some cold beer, maybe some shade, and what Bahama Babe is hiding there behind the triggerfish and I'm a happy camper! :D

[Shelby]

Patty, my original post had more to do with realities than legalities.

When Tom was offered his U.S. posting, we did months of research. We knew where we'd live, what we'd be giving up, what our life in the U.S. would be like, and what our rights and responsibilities would be like BEFORE we made our decision to move. As a result, there were few surprises (except for when I learned I'd have significantly more rights and privileges if I'd simply snuck across the border under cover of darkness ... but I digress.)

I'm continously blown away by how many people seem to be blinded by sunshine and sand when it comes to moving to the Bahamas, and how many are prepared to make major life changes having done little or no due diligence. How can someone JUST KNOW they'll love living somewhere if they don't know what life is like there, where they'll work, where they'll live, how they'll get around or where their kids will go to school??

I'm completely in favour of people following their dreams, whether that takes them to the Bahamas or to the moon. All I'm saying is these folks can avoid potential major disappointment (and some ridicule by folks like me) by doing their homework first.

Amanda

[PELLUCID]

I will respectfully quote the words of Joe Maggio, owner of the William H. Albury, and the man who hired me as a charter captain for the past five years:

"The Bahamas are littered with the bleached bones of white men who thought they could come here and do things better."

Politically correct? Hell no. On point? You be the judge for yourself. We are all grown-ups here.

[concheyjoe]

I wonder what a American Indian would post on this thread?

[trubahamian]

I will respectfully quote the words of Joe Maggio, owner of the William H. Albury, and the man who hired me as a charter captain for the past five years:

"The Bahamas are littered with the bleached bones of white men who thought they could come here and do things better."

Politically correct? Hell no. On point? You be the judge for yourself. We are all grown-ups here.

There is some brutal honesty to that statement.The fact that you bothered to post it, remember and understand it shows your reverance for our country and our culture.I like your style man.

[Willy Landham]

I wonder what a American Indian would post on this thread?


[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]1. He

[SamFamAustin]

I don't know if I can touch that one Willy, but it does remind me of a story in the Block Island Times about 'The Last Indian on Block Island,' Isaac Church, who died in 1886. To paraphrase:

Stories about Uncle Issac were that he was a temperate, God-fearing man who loved children and always had a crowd of them following him around. He was too far removed from his aboriginal roots but was indeed a full-blooded Masassoit Indian. Never did he voice any negative opinions that anyone heard. He farmed, fished, built houses, and shoveled snow, seemed to live in poverty but always wore full suits and white shirts in the style of the time, as all the white men did. He went to church every Sunday and a curious fact was that he went to each and every funeral on the Island, whether he knew the family or not. He died at 100 years of age and was buried in the colored burying ground, with just a rock for a marker.

[trubahamian]

;) I don't know if I can touch that one Willy, but it does remind me of a story in the Block Island Times about 'The Last Indian on Block Island,' Isaac Church, who died in 1886. To paraphrase:

Stories about Uncle Issac were that he was a temperate, God-fearing man who loved children and always had a crowd of them following him around. He was too far removed from his aboriginal roots but was indeed a full-blooded Masassoit Indian. Never did he voice any negative opinions that anyone heard. He farmed, fished, built houses, and shoveled snow, seemed to live in poverty but always wore full suits and white shirts in the style of the time, as all the white men did. He went to church every Sunday and a curious fact was that he went to each and every funeral on the Island, whether he knew the family or not. He died at 100 years of age and was buried in the colored burying ground, with just a rock for a marker.

Even tho that cemetary is near the airport,it overlooks the reservoir and a beautiful valley wit the very old and quaint cottage "Smiling Thru" in the foreground.The big "Island Cemetary" overlooks the salt pond with the "Sullivan House" in the backround,but the view is no better than the Indian Cemetary's. I been to Block Island a few times.;)

[Willy Landham]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Well Sam, my message would be to those who would make such a comparison

[SamFamAustin]

Yessir, the tale of the Cherokee Indians is but one of a hundred pieces of tarnished history, and one that finds even a name in the Abacos as well. The Seminoles of Florida are another.

The Cherokee were Loyalists during the Revolutionary War but I am not sure of the connection to the Abacos. Any thoughts?

The Removal Act of 1830 forced the Cherokee as well as other tribes on a march to Oklahoma, famously called the "Trail of Tears." Some Indians escaped into the mountains of North Carolina; some moved to Georgia, Missouri, and Arkansas.

It's that bad, man.

[Willy Landham]

...and 4000 died.

[Shelby]

Oh, Lord, I just wanted to have a little giggle ... I didn't mean to start a BB debate. Let's all raise a Kalik, sing Kumbaya and get along, shall we? :)

[visitortime]

Absolutely Shelby, thanks for that! You are absolutely right.
Cheers! While very valid the BB debate belongs probably in a seperate thread. Kind of. There are similarities but it's a good idea to cool off.
I'm pretty sure I am not going to sing or get along with some ,but a Kalik sounds great! Plus, your post cracked me up with opening with "Oh Lord"
Happy almost weekend! Anybody hear about an emergency HTC meeting last night??
:) :)

[SamFamAustin]

It's 5:00 here and it's Friday Eve, so why not? But please, some rocking songs like the Parrot-heads, Gully Roosters, Willie Nelson, Albert King, Stones, James Brown, anything but Kumbaya!!!!!

Still wondering how Cherokee in de Abaco got its name tho'.
-sammie

[Willy Landham]

Well, I'm off for a steak and a beer so I'm done with this subject. I also see that ol Doc Ralph is checking in to see how the kids are behaving. It's OK Doc, put away the shot of tequila and the Rolaids. Well... go ahead and take that shot of tequila.

Landham out.

[HALF-A-HAMIAN]

Nothing to do with native American, Sam. The numerous wild cherry trees earned the name. Early maps show it as Cherry Point and Cherry Key, and some chartographer no doubt, hearing it phonetically, transposed it as Cherokee. Locals pronounce it as Cherry Key.

[SamFamAustin]

Oh cool, Half, just what I wanted. The wild cherry tree has many good qualities as I am sure you know ... ever play with the wood? /sammie

[Shelby]

Ok, Sammie. No Kumbaya? Then how about this?

Ahem...

Mother, mother ocean, I have heard you call. Wanted to sail upon your waters since I was three feet tall...

A.

P.S. Half, that explains why all my rellies call it Cherry Key.

[HALF-A-HAMIAN]

I call it "Home", wish it were permanent!

[Shelby]

Half, I've never been there. How far south of MH is it? We'll have access to a car while we're in Hope Town. Maybe we can drive down from MH for the day...

Amanda

[HALF-A-HAMIAN]

It's about 22 miles. About a mile south of Abaco Big Bird poultry farm you make a left. Long straight-away, then be very cautious on the curves. You'll pass the turn-off for Pete's Pub and the entrance to Winding Bay, then a few more miles you're there. Park in the town parking lot or at the docks by the "marina" and have a pleasant stroll. Cold drinks are available at the marina or Cherokee Food Fair. With low tide, there's miles of banks to walk for shells and sand dollars, and flats for bonefish. If you stop at Pete's, be sure to take the road behind the foundry and follow the path to the old lighthouse. This is where Maitland and Robert Lowe of Hopetown were raised and learned their trade for guiding.

[Patti Puzo]

Amanda, it really is a special place. I have told CR several times, now that we have made quick day visits twice, I can't seem to get Cherokee out of my thoughts for long. It is so quiet, and the beaches are very different there. Searching for shells and seaglass is a kick. Cherokee really does seem like it has been locked in a much earlier, slower paced time.
Pete's is a fun destination too. It is worth the car rental, and not hard to get to at all. As a matter of fact, the road in to Pete's Pub has really improved.

[Shelby]

Sounds fantastic! I'm convinced! I look forward to checking out Cherokee and maybe Pete's as well. Thanks for the info!

Amanda

[Marty]

Sammie, we don't need to discuss you playing with your wood....do we?

Oh cool, Half, just what I wanted. The wild cherry tree has many good qualities as I am sure you know ... ever play with the wood? /sammie

[SamFamAustin]

Now Marty ... wold cherry wood (black cherry), is a very fine wood and is used in the finest furniture ... makes great knife handles as well. It is great for charcoal and the bark is used in a tea. The tea is good against coughs and stimulates blood circulation ... most all cough syrups are made with wild cherry. Oh, wild cherry is wonderful for smoking - and I mean in a BBQ, not like you're thinkin'! :eek:

[Stone Malone]

Cherry KEY?? Key?? where are you guys? Islamaroda? It's Cay baby! CAY!!

and actually I've heard that a Bahamian captain met a Cherokee woman during one of his trips to the US mainland and brought her back and that they were among the first settlers in Cherokee. Food for thought.

[papanasty]

There is nothing wrong with following your dreams, when i was 15 years old i hopped a train to Colorado from Minnesota because i wanted to see the rocky mountains and from there migrated to California on my own before i was 17 years old,but always had this dream of a place like Abaco, did'nt know of Abaco but always dreamed of the islands,I thought i could find it by joinining the Navy and hopped another train back to Minnesota so my dad could sign the papers so i could join the Navy as i was only 17 years old and needed his permission to join. Spent 3 years and 5 days in the Navy and all they did was send me to school! This i have never regreted because it laid the foundation for what i am today. Did a few cruises localy so we could collect our sea pay but never realy got to go anywere, I was stationed on the USS Yosemite AD19 Destroyer Tender out of Mayport Florida. When i got out of the Navy in 1973 did'nt know what to do, the Vietnam War was winding down and no one had any use for any one that had been in the military so i went and lived in Roanoke Virginia back to the mountains, being in the mountains seemed to make me feel good no matter how bad it got, but still longed for the islands but did'nt know what islands, but i have to admit i had dreams of the islands many many times, then in 1989 i got a chance to come to Abaco to finish some work on what was Carib 2 out of Man O War that i had done a refit on in Cracker Boys Boat yard in West Palm were i was a contractor, I was always drawn to boats and thats how i ended up in West Palm working in Cracker Boys, It's ironic because i hooked up with a guy that bought the SV Aragance that had sat in Hopetown Harbor for many years confiscated by the Bahamian Government for drug smuggling it was a double ender steel hull built in 1952 in Abercane Rasmusan West Germany and had a lot of history behind it, And the guy that bought it was a preacher out of Alabama and bought the boat while he was here building the youth camp in Marsh Harbor. He talked alot about Hopetown and said it was a parradise. Me and the owner were going to fix it up and sail it to the olympics in Rhoda Spain. That never happened but i still dreamed of the islands alot and heard alot about this place called Abaco ,people would tell me it was GODS country, then i got a chance to come over here to complete the work on the then Carib 2 inter island freight barge, they towed the Carib 2 to Abaco with one of the local freight boats that came here from West Palm weekly and towed it up to Sea Spray when there was nothing up there No channel No Resort only the dream of Monty Albury to build what exists today, But the day that i came here and stood on that dock next to Alburys ferry waiting for a ride to get to Hopetown were i stayed at Benny Place for many months it was da sha vu and i knew that this was the place that had been in my dreams for all those years and new that day that i would never leave this place again and 19 years later i'm still here and have participated in the growth and development of Elbow Cay from that time on, so do'nt ever give up on your dreams no matter how out of touch that they may seem because you never know when or if they will come true, Every one has there destiny in life and mine has been Abaco and i thank GOD for makeing that one very important dream come true for me as i know that if i had continued on the path and life style that i was liveing before i came here i would not be around today to share what i consider the greatest times of my life. Abaco is truly GODS country and to any one that wants to follow there dreams i say go for it weather it seems realistic or not you will never know until you try it Respectfully Papanasty :) :)

[Gayleupstairs]

Thanks Papa - wonderful personal history and great encouragement! If you're willing to give it all in the "trying", what have you got to lose? Nothing!!!

[Abacouple]

I'm a bit of a dreamer and after my first trip to Abaco, all I could think about was, "What can I do to get back." I am also a bit of a schemer, too and probably cooked up a dozen or so ideas of what I'd like to do there. After a period of time, you still love it, but your dreams yield to the light of reality. This board is my connection most of the time. I fly over and wish I could stop and feel the tension melt away. I think more than admit it do the same thing. We may spout off about moving, but I don't think the Bahamas are in danger of being overrun by the likes of me, et. al. 10 years ago, property was almost affordable, but I am shut out now by virtue of economics. People who can afford it, may not need to work anyway. So, if y'all hear of a need for pilot/judges down there, PM me.

[Tropical Concepts]

Thanks PappaNasty- decades ago I first read a book called Think and grow rich by Napolean Hill. It's been a great influence over the years. One of the stories about life changes explaines how "burning your bridges" is a motivator. Mr Hill tells a story about a conquestador landing in the new world. He and his men were outnumbered hundreds to one: when he ordered his men to "burn the boats- the only way we are going home is through victory". Their coviction brought them great wealth that they would never of acheived with "saftey nets". Great adventures aren't for the faint of heart. Glad to hear about yours.

[Wonkee]

Oh cool, Half, just what I wanted. The wild cherry tree has many good qualities as I am sure you know ... ever play with the wood? /sammie
And by play with the wood you mean? To a Teenage boy that has a totally different meaning, and to a Baseball player, or a golfer. Now as a carpenter, and wood worker, I find the Grain of the Wild Cherry very beautiful, but occasionally difficult to work with. Once it is milled and dried it takes a while for it to acclimate to the conditions of the shop. Once it has it makes beautiful turnings, or accents. The transition from the Outer rings to the Heart are my favorite, and when milled on a Bias have one of the most beautiful effects. Just remember it is a Hard wood so take your time when cutting and don't plow and burn the wood.

[SamFamAustin]

Right, simple furniture, sculptures, knife handles, model boats, stairway banister railings, real sailboats, and stuff like that. I've worked with black walnut, green heart, mahogany, teak, cedar, mesquite, and bodark (wild apple) but not for quite a while. Cherry was always beautiful, and I sometimes cheat by staining soft pine a cherry color.

Not to swag the thread, but that green heart was the hardest stuff I ever worked. My dad got a whole bunch to lay a keel and ribs for a 60-foot schooner but then kids like me happened ... anyway a whole load came in on a ship from Guyana. Fully seasoned, it would burn a carbide drill bit in one use. The sawmill was glad to see our load leave his property. The wood was eventually sold for dock construction down by New London, CT.

Next time, if we can even get a load of green heart, we're cutting it to rough dimensions BEFORE seasoning it. -sammie

[HALF-A-HAMIAN]

Cherokee boats used a lot of lignum vitae, horseflesh and ironwood. I guess that's why those 3' grindstones were wore down to a foot, broke in quarters, and distributed to households for knife sharpening. Some of the old ironwood ground-pin posts from before my mother was was born can still be found.